I Understand English, But I Can't Speak! (Here's What Helps) | Easy English Podcast for Daily Life

Do you understand English, but freeze when it's your turn to speak? In this easy English podcast, Emma and Jake explain why your mind goes blank, and share three simple ideas to help you speak English with more confidence, even when you're nervous. At a small bakery, Jake orders sweet bread in Spanish. Then the lady asks "For here or to go?", his mind goes blank, and he answers "Yes". Emma, an English teacher, tells us how she froze in a meeting in her own language, and the sentence she never forgot: "A simple answer is better than a perfect silence." You'll hear about the spotlight effect (a Cornell University study: people notice our mistakes much less than we think), answer a real question out loud with us, and find out what happened when Jake went back to the bakery. This episode is for A2-B1 learners who understand English but find it hard to speak. Listen to slow, clear, natural English about real life, and practice speaking at the same time. 5 useful expressions from this episode: go blank (my mind goes blank) = you suddenly can't think of anything on the spot = right now, with no time to prepare get stuck = you can't continue, you stop keep it simple = use short sentences and easy words speak up = say something or share your idea, when it's easier to stay quiet Emma has taught English to adults for about ten years. Jake is a graphic designer who is learning Spanish, so he knows how it feels to be a learner. Daily 20 is an easy English podcast for A2-B1 learners: about 20 minutes of slow, clear English about daily life, motivation and personal growth. Tell us in the comments: "My mind goes blank when..., but next time, I'll...". Write one sentence in English. If this episode helped you, give it a like and subscribe for more easy English practice. #EnglishPodcast #LearnEnglish #SpeakEnglish Chapters: 0:00 Welcome: when your mind goes blank 2:45 Jake's bakery moment 6:17 Why we freeze (the spotlight effect) 10:20 What would you do? + your turn to speak 12:38 3 ideas to help you speak 17:03 Practice the 5 expressions 18:32 Your small action for today